It’s been a pretty tumultuous few years for pubs and hospitality, and this isn’t just a phenomenon specific to Ireland. Throughout Europe and other parts of the West, a problematic combination of cost-of-living pressures and higher supply costs has meant that the industry has felt a real squeeze that many who have been in the business may have not encountered ever before.
While it would be a tad reductive to say that pubs are a huge Irish tradition, they embody other aspects that help to keep Irish culture alive. Pubs aren’t just simply places people go to have a pint of Guinness, they’ll go there to see local music played on traditional instruments, have a singalong, watch Gaelic sports, and keep their ear to the ground about what’s going on within their local community.
A Changing Dynamic In Irish Culture
Modern-day Irish culture has taken on a bit of a different form from how people viewed it in the 20th century. Our world is far more interconnected now (for better or worse) and people will hop on social media or go online to see what Irish culture is all about. For instance, the internet has facilitated the rise of Irish mythology in casino gaming – most notably, the slot gaming world.
Gambling games have always been a part of Irish culture, whether it’s the considerable influence of the Emerald Isle in horse racing, the betting markets that underpin it, or bingo (one of the more traditional games). Bingo is still played in pubs all throughout Ireland and is just one of many Irish traditions that are kept alive in pubs. It is used to sell the broader package of what these establishments offer.
As bingo games grow in popularity online, this doesn’t detract away from the community and competition that these games generate in Irish pubs, and while bingo might not be the first thing that springs to mind in Irish pub traditions, you’ll find plenty of pubs dotted around that offer bingo-style games to help generate a lively atmosphere in their pub, especially at the weekend.
Taking It Back To The Roots
Sadly, over 400 pubs have closed in Ireland over the last five years and with the price of ale climbing simultaneously, there’s been a stronger focus on the “old man pub” – a colloquial term for pubs that have been able to navigate through the economic turbulence and stick to their traditional roots.
Cheaper ale, older patrons with storied tales to tell, and an interior more attuned to the finer elements of traditional Irish culture – old barstools, bar taps, floor designs and more of a folksy decor.
While it is not always the case, these pubs will focus on the finer and more typical elements of Irish culture.
Especially around Dublin, it’s not rare to see Uilleann pipes or the Bodhrán make appearances – both instruments are seminal in the continuation of authentic Irish music and culture. Some analysts have even gone to say that pubs are a microcosm and a true reflection of life, especially in those bigger population cities like Dublin.
Exploring Other Traditional Elements Of Irish Culture
Others are keen to showcase Irish traditions in pub culture while branching out and showing that Irish culture is more than the occasional tired stereotype about drunkenness, Guinness, and a knees-up. While it’s definitely on the list for many tourists who travel to the Emerald Isle, it’s just one way that Irish traditions are being kept alive.
The medium of the internet helps to broadcast Irish tradition and culture to a broader world and shows that tourism and culture in Ireland have a lot more to offer than the humble public house. That said, the pubs in Ireland are a must if you’re somebody who enjoys sampling the local alcohol and getting a vibe of what an authentic pub is like.
As more of us start counting how much alcohol we have, Irish pubs have accommodated this new wave, particularly among Gen Z patrons, whether it’s offering 0% alcohol beers and other drinks or turning pubs into the new current trend of board game cafe-style locations which still play Irish music and showcase the best of Irish culture.
Conclusion
Although it’s been a tough few years for pubs in Ireland, plenty of them have been able to adapt to this new norm. Given the rise in the number of people working remotely and a more measured drinking culture shaping the way pubs operate and advertise themselves, it’s integral that they do not lose sight of the Irish traditions that helped them flourish in the first place – continuing to attract tourists from all over the world who are looking to sample one of the more notable elements of Irish culture.
